LONDON: The Colombian presidential election is not just a matter for Bogotá’s political elite. It is a test of safety for British mining investments in the country’s volatile rural heartlands. As Colombians prepare to go to the polls this weekend, the spectre of renewed civil strife hangs over mining operations owned by UK-listed firms, raising concerns about supply chains and the livelihoods of workers both in Colombia and back home.
The stakes are high. British companies have poured billions into Colombia’s gold, coal, and copper sectors. Among them, Anglo American and Glencore have significant interests in coal mines in the northern region of La Guajira, a hotbed of conflict between left-wing guerrillas, right-wing paramilitaries, and government forces. With leading presidential candidates Gustavo Petro and Federico Gutiérrez offering sharply divergent visions for the country’s natural resources, the risk of disruption is palpable.
Petro, a former guerrilla and leftist senator, has pledged to halt new oil and gas exploration and to review mining contracts. His rhetoric against foreign extractive industries has rattled investors. Gutiérrez, a centrist, promises to maintain stability and honour existing contracts. But the violence on the ground is not waiting for the outcome. In recent weeks, guerrilla groups have stepped up attacks on infrastructure, including pipelines and railways used to transport minerals. A bomb attack on a convoy near the Cerrejón mine, a joint venture between Anglo American, Glencore, and BHP, left three workers injured last month.
For British workers, the link may seem distant. But the pensions and savings of millions are tied up in companies whose revenues depend on Colombian operations. The Trades Union Congress has expressed concern about the safety of British workers employed by these firms. “Our members in the mining sector are watching closely,” said a spokesperson. “Any escalation in violence puts not only Colombian lives at risk but also British jobs if operations are suspended.”
The conflict is not new. Colombia has suffered decades of civil war, but a 2016 peace deal with the FARC guerrillas brought a fragile calm. Now, dissident factions and other armed groups are filling the vacuum. The violence is particularly acute in regions where mining takes place. Last year, 122 human rights defenders were killed, many in areas near extractive projects.
“The situation is deteriorating,” said Maria Jimena, a Bogotá-based analyst. “Whoever wins must address the root causes: inequality, land rights, and rural poverty. Otherwise, the violence will continue and the mining sector will suffer.”
The election itself could be a flashpoint. Polls show a tight race, with Petro leading but short of a outright win. A run-off is likely in June, prolonging the uncertainty. Military sources fear that post-election violence could erupt, particularly if the results are disputed.
British mining companies have a history of navigating conflict zones in Africa and Asia. But Colombia presents unique challenges, with multiple armed groups and a complex political landscape. As voters head to the polls, the price of precious metals on the London Metal Exchange may well reflect the turmoil of the Colombian countryside. For now, investors and workers alike are holding their breath.
